I just really can't stand the whole health care / doctor''s practices

[SereneHome]

My husband was diagnosed with MS last year and needs to see his neurologist on a regular basis. He was suppose to have an appt in April, and of course now they are only doing Zoom appts (which is fine). But they are charging the same!  Even though his dr won't be able to do any kind of physical exam on him! I think it's incredibly unfair. I already feel that there are a lot of unfair practices when it comes to health care costs, but this just really pissed me off this morning. Arghhhhhh

[Laurie]

I agree with you that it's unfair!

I've been getting a lot of emails from health care providers that we haven't even seen in years.  The most recent was from a podiatrist basically letting me know that I can take a picture of my foot and he'll tell me how to care for it at home.  Really???  If I had a problem I could just as easily search youtube, etc. and probably find something and not pay one dime.   

I understand that medical practices are businesses and they're trying to survive, but I just don't understand why the insurance companies would be willing to pay the same for these less-than appointments.  

 

[Martha in GA]

I agree with you! I was offered a telemedicine appointment for my Hashi's, but I declined because half of the appointment is based on getting new blood work done, which isn't happening over the internet. For things like MS evaluations, there is no way they can be as comprehensive over the internet and should be prorated accordingly.

[pitterpatter]

My DH was charged full price for a telephone consultation. What struck me is that we have never been charged for telephone calls before. Granted, this was to replace an on-site visit, but it's not the same. MS patients would really need physical exams, I would think. (My dad had MS.) Do you think he'll be okay until his next visit?

ETA: DH is immunosuppressed, so we didn't want him going to his appointment, which is connected to a large hospital. He had an infusion the week before, so we were able to get his blood work done then.

Edited April 29, 2020 by pitterpatter

[SereneHome]

4 minutes ago, pitterpatter said:

My DH was charged full price for a telephone consultation. What struck me is that we have never been charged for telephone calls before. Granted, this was to replace an on-site visit, but it's not the same. MS patients would really need physical exams, I would think. (My dad had MS.) Do you think he'll be okay until his next visit?

ETA: DH is immunosuppressed, so we didn't want him going to his appointment, which is connected to a large hospital. He had an infusion the week before, so we were able to get his blood work done then.

*I* think so, but the whole diagnosis thing got him completely freaked out last year. His MRI is not until Nov and his meds' refills are good through Oct, I think. Obviously, if he wants to have an appt, I won't say anything, but it just reignited my rage against health care costs and dr office practices!!!

I can go on for hours and hours about all the things I hate hate HATE about it.

[Arcadia]

I have to insist that my appointment with my oncologist surgeon and my oncology radiation doctor are not virtual. They need to inspect hands on. 

[Ottakee]

My girls have telemed appointments with their neurologist next week.  I feel OK with it as they are stable now.   One of them.asked though how he was going to check their reflexes, etc 

For many people, the doctor really does need to be hands on.  Subtle things are going to be missed.

[Carol in Cal.]

My uncle was misdiagnosed with allergies over the phone when he actually was literally dying of pneumonia.  If my aunt had not realized that things were much worse than they had been led to expect, and raised cain to get a physical appointment and an xray, he would have died. 

[SereneHome]

I wonder how many lawsuits are going to be filed bc of misdiagnosis and other issues due to non-in-person appts.

[Arcadia]

44 minutes ago, Ottakee said:

My girls have telemed appointments with their neurologist next week.  I feel OK with it as they are stable now.   One of them.asked though how he was going to check their reflexes, etc 

My oncologist appointment last week was virtual and I am okay with that since I had my oncology surgeon visit the week before and she is very thorough (so I am less afraid I miss something). Also, the plan was more for alternating virtual with in-person for my oncologist appointments which means I still get an in-person every 6 weeks instead of 3. It’s not great but not as scary as having all as virtual appointments.